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Pay Raise

Federal employees under the General Schedule (GS) get an annual pay raise most years. Articles in this section are an important resource for federal employees to stay informed about their pay and any potential changes that may affect their salaries. These articles emphasize the importance of understanding the factors that contribute to pay adjustments and the broader economic context in which these decisions are made.

Bill Would Give Some Federal Employees a 35% Pay Raise

FedSmith.com author Ian SmithBy Ian SmithJan 21, 2026 4:54 PM Categories Federal Employee Pay News Leave a comment
5 vertical stacks of coins on a wooden surface growing in height as they go from left to right with the word 'salary' written on a small chalkboard sign behind the stacks

Some federal employees would see a massive pay raise if a recently introduced bill were to become law.

A Half-Century of Federal Pay Raises: Examining Patterns Across Administrations

FedSmith.com author Ian SmithBy Ian SmithJan 21, 2026 6:20 AM Categories Federal Employee Pay News Leave a comment
Spread of four $100 bills with a question mark pictured overlaid on top of them expressing doubt or uncertainty about a pay raise

How have pay raises for federal employees fared since 1970?

Keeping the FAIR Act Alive for the 2027 Federal Pay Raise

FedSmith.com author Ian SmithBy Ian SmithJan 9, 2026 8:35 AM Categories Federal Employee Pay News Leave a comment
Two stacks of cash on the ends of an evenly balanced balance beam; the stack on the left is smaller than the one on the right

It appears that the longtime bill pushing for higher federal pay raises will carry on after the death of Congressman Gerry Connolly.

OPM Implements Special 3.8% 2026 Federal Pay Raise for Law Enforcement

FedSmith.com author Ian SmithBy Ian SmithJan 5, 2026 6:05 AM Categories Federal Employee Pay News Leave a comment
Close up of cash in the pocket of a military uniform - military benefits, pay

OPM has finalized the special 3.8% 2026 federal pay raise for certain federal employees in law enforcement positions.

From a Shutdown to the Pay Raise: The Top Federal Employee Stories of 2025

FedSmith.com author Ian SmithBy Ian SmithDec 30, 2025 9:08 AM | Updated: Dec 31, 2025 12:03 PM Categories Current Events Leave a comment
Words 'year in review' written in a torn edge design surrounded by paperclips

The longest government shutdown in history, mass layoffs, and unprecedented Christmas holidays are among the most memorable events for federal employees in 2025.

Federal Pay Reality Check: What About 2027 Pay Raise for Federal Employees?

FedSmith.com author Ralph R. SmithBy Ralph R. SmithDec 29, 2025 6:05 AM | Updated: Jan 11, 2026 11:28 AM Categories Federal Employee Pay News Leave a comment
3D dollar sign on a road leading to a city in the distance

The Pay Agent’s report exposes the widening gap between federal pay law and federal pay reality—and why meaningful reform keeps getting postponed.

2026 GS Pay Scale

FedSmith.com author Ian SmithBy Ian SmithDec 18, 2025 5:28 PM | Updated: Jan 8, 2026 8:50 PM Categories Federal Employee Pay News Leave a comment
Spread of US dollars against a teal background

The 2026 GS pay scale is based on a 1% overall average pay raise for federal employees.

2026 Federal Pay Raise Finalized

FedSmith.com author Ian SmithBy Ian SmithDec 18, 2025 3:25 PM | Updated: Jan 2, 2026 12:39 PM Categories Federal Employee Pay News Leave a comment
Yellow road sign that reads 'pay raise ahead' on a white background

President Trump has issued an executive order finalizing the 2026 federal pay raise.

The Federal Pay System Is Designed to Lag—and the Data Prove It

FedSmith.com author Ralph R. SmithBy Ralph R. SmithDec 17, 2025 11:33 AM Categories Federal Employee Pay News Leave a comment
Scale tipped towards one side due to having three bags of money on it versus only one bag on the higher side

A decade of data shows federal pay raises usually trail the Employment Cost Index and inflation, revealing how the pay system is structured to lag the broader labor market.

Comparing the Federal Pay Raise and COLA: A 20-Year Historical Perspective

FedSmith.com author Ian SmithBy Ian SmithDec 12, 2025 7:35 AM Categories Federal Employee Retirement, Federal Employee Pay News Leave a comment
Bag of money next to a jar of coins

Federal pay raises and COLAs both adjust income annually—see how they compare historically and impact federal employees and retirees.

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Daily TSP Performance

January 22, 2026

Fund Last % YTD
G Fund $19.6386 +0.01% +0.26%
F Fund $20.9029 +0.05% +0.10%
C Fund $110.6680 +0.55% +1.06%
S Fund $106.8355 +0.61% +6.40%
I Fund $58.0824 +0.93% +4.67%
L Income $29.5366 +0.20% +1.00%
L 2030 $59.1501 +0.40% +1.81%
L 2035 $18.0425 +0.46% +2.05%
L 2040 $69.2859 +0.50% +2.21%
L 2045 $19.1968 +0.54% +2.35%
L 2050 $42.5848 +0.57% +2.49%
L 2055 $22.0659 +0.69% +2.97%
L 2060 $22.0634 +0.68% +2.97%
L 2065 $22.0607 +0.69% +2.97%
L 2070 $13.0751 +0.69% +2.97%
L 2075 $11.4211 +0.68% +2.97%
Get detailed TSP data at TSPDataCenter.com

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